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Hello All, I am considering moving to Portland and was wondering what the classical music climate is like there. Anyone here from the area and has any input it would be greatly appreciated. I will be there for a few days next week.

There is a pretty big classical music scene for the size of the city. There is the Oregon Symphony that brings in big name soloists. I heard Yuja Wang, Emanuel Ax, Stephen Hough in recent years to name a few. There is also Portland Opera and a Ballet company as well. Specifically piano, there is the Portland International Piano Festival which brings in solo recitals throughout the year in addition to a week long piano festival in July. Through that organization is how Hamelin is coming in Feb. There are many piano teachers and piano students in the area. It is actually not too hard to find students and freelance accompanying gigs. Most teachers belong to OMTA which is the state version of MTNA. They have a lot of events such as workshops for teachers and adjudication/competitions for students. I've lived in Portland now for 2.5 years, so feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions.

There is a pretty big classical music scene for the size of the city. There is the Oregon Symphony that brings in big name soloists. I heard Yuja Wang, Emanuel Ax, Stephen Hough in recent years to name a few. There is also Portland Opera and a Ballet company as well. Specifically piano, there is the Portland International Piano Festival which brings in solo recitals throughout the year in addition to a week long piano festival in July. Through that organization is how Hamelin is coming in Feb. There are many piano teachers and piano students in the area. It is actually not too hard to find students and freelance accompanying gigs. Most teachers belong to OMTA which is the state version of MTNA. They have a lot of events such as workshops for teachers and adjudication/competitions for students. I've lived in Portland now for 2.5 years, so feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions.

This sounds encouraging, thanks for your offer and reply!! I'm excited to be visiting there for a few days next week

Portland is reasonably close to Seattle so there is a big exchange of performers and patrons between the cities. In addition,check out the programs at Oregon and Oregon State for another little road trip.